07/16/07 Council Special Meeting Minutes

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SPECIAL MEETING JULY 16, 2007 and they finally have the economic components of this project together with the uses. This has been difficult, there has been a lot of time and energy and money put forth to make this work and he wants to make that clear that they now have finally convinced retailers that retail can survive in South Bend and on Eddy Street it doesn't have to be on Grape Road. He stated that he has flown quite a few retailers to town convincing them it can work. Being one of the gentlemen that made the decision to pursue this project, they believe in it. They believe in the community and South Bend, Indiana, this is a big deal for them just as well. When you talk about a 200 million dollar investment, you don't take that lightly, no matter who you are. Mr. McGowan stated that he will make this project work and it is very important to understand that as part of the 200 million dollar investment for all the people sitting here tonight, for South Bend as a whole, for the University of Notre Dame, on top of that they want to fill this room six times over with 960 permanent jobs. He stated that from his hometown that is a big deal and they fmd that is a very component as well. With fmancing retailers, uses and an economic structure that works they must act now and urged the Council for their cooperation. Chairperson White stated that they are now in the Council portion and thanked Kite Realty Group, the University of Notre Dame, Mayor Stephen Luecke and his administration, the Council and most importantly the citizens, both in favor and opposed to this development. Clearly there is support for the project and wanted to say that the comments that have been made were very respectful and really believe whether action is taken tonight or continued that as a community will come back together and support each other and this democracy at it's very best. As individuals we have the right to come, to share, and to speak either in favor or opposition. She reiterated that on behalf of the Council they thanked everyone and were very appreciative of all the concerns, phone calls, letters and the many, many e-mails. Councilmember Ann Puzzello stated that the Eddy Street Commons will be in her district. She lives in the northeast neighborhood and is a resident in the area where the project is proposed. She represents two groups, one is the group that elected her to this very Council position, and the other is that she is an employee of the City of South Bend and owes her allegiance to the entire City of South Bend as far as what is best for it. In representing the neighborhood residents there were some concessions that they had asked for and she worked to get them. Some of them they got and some they did not. She is disappointed in the parking situation because she asked for one hour free parking on the street and two hour free parking in the garage so people who were come on short errands or to eat would not be going into the neighborhood to find parking, they would have free parking inside the Commons. She also asked that employers be responsible for their employee parking whether there are paying for it or insisting their employees do so. This would deter the employees from parking in the surrounding neighborhoods because it is free. If these things do not happen, it is almost as certain as they do, they will be getting residential parking permits for all surrounding residents to eliminate this problem. The height of the buildings will not exceed the height that was shown on the map tonight and she is not counting the story that is below grade at the parking garage, because she is not very concerned with what is below ground, just above ground level. She stated that she supported Councihnember Kirsit's request to have the entire project installed with sprinkler systems for public safety. She stated that she is very pleased the Kite committed to that. She stated that she has a great deal of respect for Councihnember Kirsits when it comes to public safety. With regard to the animals living in the woods, they will be protected and they will be taken to a place where they can live safely and in comfort. She asked Kite when a neighbor has a problem with an unwanted animal in their yard, how long of a period of time will they be removing them for. Mr. McGowan stated that he has been in a lot of public hearing before, but never has been asked this questions before and to bear with him on an answer. He stated that they would like to figure out a logical area and time. Mr. McGowan stated that he would like to make a commitment right now that based upon reasonableness they will create that area that without question will cover any and all concerns. The second point he addressed and it was discussed if it did not get in the commitments today, it should have and that commitment was all employees will have restricted parking areas as part of each and every lease. He wanted to make that very, very clear. Each and every lease meaning a 20